There is no shortage of places to drink, eat, and stay merry
late into the night in Krakow. Notably, the huge central
Grand Square in the heart of the historic
Old Town district
and its environs look like they never sleep, at least most of
the year save winter. And recently trendy new hangouts are
launched also in the nearby Kazimierz quarter almost by the
week.

Krakow boasts a lively club scene. The party goes on week
long, but – no doubts about it – the Friday and Saturday
nights tend to be hottest in the city's countless
nightspots. As elsewhere, on weekends Krakow’s young
professionals, expats, students, and visitors mingle happily
in crowds that pack bars, discotheques, cafes, and
restaurants in vogue at the moment. Loyal patrons happen but
most club-goers wander from place to place.

Diverse nightspots of Krakow.

Local clubs are not large, few can seat more than 100.
Recorded music is the staple, with live performances two or
three nights a week. The biggest concentration of varied
nightspots is in the central
Old Town historic district,
followed by the nearby
Kazimierz
area, though some best clubs may be found also in other parts
of the city.

Gay-only clubs are a rarity as proprietors seek the hetero
patronage as well so they prefer to be labeled as
gay-friendly instead.

Also, the Krakow nightlife may disappoint fans of go-go
dancers, striptease, lap dancing, and similar entertainment
as it is currently out of fashion here and even karaoke
upstages flesh in the city's clubs.

Krakow's music clubs.

The city’s myriad live entertainment venues cater to all
tastes and generations. Sure thing, those in their twenties
to thirty-something are best served and most places offer
contemporary club music. Some Krakow DJs attained local
fame, while club celebrities from other parts of Poland and
from abroad spin occasionally in the city.

On the other hand, jazz seems surprisingly popular. Also,
there are hangouts for the fans of rock, modern pop,
ballads, hip-hop, etc. The roots music, inspired by varied
traditions of this part of Europe, has a niche of its own.
Seniors, too, have their places of choice to enjoy
themselves with immortal evergreens.

Krakow has always been Poland’s gourmet Mecca. And the
recent decade brought about a genuine restaurant explosion
all over the city owing to the hectic efforts of aspiring
restaurateurs, native ones as well as immigrants. The Old
Town historic district seems virtually stuffed with
establishments catering to all kinds of diners. The bulk of
Krakow restaurants close when the last customer leaves.
More on Krakow’s restaurants

Krakow Cabaret

Krakow’s three casinos lure gamblers with roulette,
blackjack, poker, and slot machines round the week from
afternoon till the dawn next day. It’s perfectly legal as
long as you are 18 or older.
More on gambling in Krakow

Krakow CarnivalIt lasts
from the New Year’s Eve till the Shrove Tuesday some two
months later. The season is marked by feverish partying in
Krakow’s numerous clubs on the one hand, and snobbish
charity balls on the other.
More on carnival in Krakow